Crib rail cover

ABSTRACT

The crib rail cover of an embodiment of the present invention not only protects both the integrity of your crib rails and babies from all of the harmful toxins and wood but also acts as a soother for teething baby. The crib rail cover is made out of 100% food grade silicone and features six unique teething textures to help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the teething process. Not only is this silicone durable but it is also free of BPA&#39;s, PVC&#39;s, Phthalates and does not promote bacterial growth.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims one or more inventions which were disclosed in Provisional Application No. 63/103,094, filed Jul. 20, 2020, entitled “Nub Guard” and Provisional Application No. 63/150,929, filed Feb. 18, 2021, entitled “Crib Rail Cover”. The benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of the U.S. provisional applications are hereby claimed, and the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to the field of crib rail covers. More particularly, the invention pertains to a food grade silicone rail cover with teeth textures.

Description of Related Art

Babies have tendency to chew on crib rails when they are teething, getting wood and paint chips into their mouths and damaging the wood of the crib. Currently, crib rails are made from cloth. However, the cloth covering needs to be washed often as they are filled with saliva. If the cloth coverings are not washed frequently, they begin to smell. Further, with the cloth coverings, there is always the potential for mold to grow due to moisture build up between the wood itself and the cloth covering.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The crib rail cover of an embodiment of the present invention not only protects both the integrity of your crib rails and infants from all of the harmful toxins and wood but also acts as a soother for teething infants. In one embodiment, the crib rail cover is made of 100% food grade silicone and features a plurality of unique, raised teething textures to help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the teething process. The silicone is preferably durable, does not promote bacterial growth and free of bisphenol A (BPA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and phthalates. In another embodiment, the crib rail cover is made of polyisoprene or a natural rubber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a rear view of a first inner surface of the crib rail cover of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of a second inner surface of the crib rail cover of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a first outer surface with teething textures of the crib rail cover of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows an end view of the crib rail cover of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a second outer surface with teething textures of the crib rail cover of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an end view of the crib rail cover of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows another end view of the crib rail cover of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a rear isometric view of the first inner surface and the second inner surface of the crib rail cover of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a front isometric view of the first outer surface and the second outer surface each with teething textures of the crib rail cover of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of a first inner surface and a first outer surface of a crib rail cover of a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a rear isometric view of the first inner surface the second inner surface of a crib rail cover of a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a review view of the second inner surface of the crib rail cover of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a side view of the crib rail cover of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a crib rail cover on a crib.

FIG. 15 shows a detailed view of the teething textures on the second outer surface of the crib rail cover.

FIG. 16 shows a detailed view of the teething textures on the first outer surface of the crib rail cover.

FIG. 17 shows a shortened crib rail cover with slots.

FIG. 18 shows a shortened crib rail cover without slots.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic of the crib rail cover and the shortened crib rail cover on a crib.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a crib rail cover for railings of a crib.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 19, a crib 200 is generally rectangular in shape with a headboard 202 and a footboard 210 connected together in a parallel, spaced apart relation via a rectangular base platform 220. The headboard 202 includes two posts 204, 206 spaced apart and connected by a cross brace 208 and fastened to the base platform 220. The footboard 210 includes two posts 214, 216 connected by a stationary rail 212 and fastened to the base platform 220. The stationary rail 212 is connected to the base platform 220 by a series of slats or rods 218.

The headboard 202 is connected to the footboard 210 on a first side 232 by a stationary rail 228 and the base platform 220. The stationary rail 228 is additionally connected to the base platform 220 by a series of slats or rods 230. The headboard 202 is connected to the footboard 210 on a second side 226, opposite the first side 232, by a drop side rail 222 which can be raised or lowered by mechanisms known in the art. The drop side rail 222 is connected to a post 204 from the headboard 202 and a post 214 of the footboard 210, as well as to the base platform 220 by a series of slats or rods 224. Within the enclosed space 236 defined by the headboard 202, footboard 210, drop side rail 222 and stationary rail 228 is a mattress 234 in which an infant can be placed upon.

The crib rail cover of embodiments of the present invention can be placed or secured upon the drop railing 222 or any of the stationary railings 212, 228, as well as the cross brace 208 of the headboard 202.

The crib rail cover 100, 120, 170, 180 has a body 101, 121 which is generally L-shaped as shown in FIGS. 1-13. The shape of the crib rail cover allows for a universal crib rail cover that adequately covers cribs with different shaped railings. The body 101, 121 has a first body portion 112 integrally connected to a second body portion 113 at an approximately right angle. The first body portion 112 has a first inner surface 102 and a first outer surface 105 and the second body portion 113 has a second inner surface 103 and a second outer surface 104. The first and second outer surfaces 105, 104 each have raised teething textures 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160. The first inner surface 102 and the second inner surface 103 are preferably flat with no raised textures.

In on embodiment the raised teeth textures 156, 158, 160 on the first outer surface 105 are different than the raised teeth textures 150, 152, 154 on the second outer surface 104. In another embodiment, the raised teeth textures 150-160 on the first outer surface 105 and the second outer surface 104 are the same.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show the raised teeth textures which are present on the first outer surface 105 and the second outer surface 104 of the crib rail cover 100, 120, 170, 180. Referring to FIG. 15, the second outer surface 104 contains a raised teething textures 150-154 that are “S” shaped 154, “V” shaped 152 and a wavy line 150. The raised teething textures 156-160 of the first outer surface 105 as shown in FIG. 16 include circles or dots 156, zig zag line 158 and ovals 160. It is noted that the order of each of the raised teething textures on the outer surfaces 104, 105 can be altered from what is shown in the Figures. Each of the different raised teething textures 150-160 are present in rows across the entire length of the crib rail cover 100, 120, 170, 180. In some embodiments, at least two of the three teething textures 150-160 extends the entire length of crib rail 100, 120, 170, 180. In another embodiment, at least two of the three teething textures 150-160 extends the entire length of the crib rail 100, 120, 170, 180 interrupted by slots 110 a-111 d present. The raised teething textures 150-160 are raised to a height within a range of 1.27-2.54 cm from the outer surface 104, 105. In one embodiment, the raised teething textures 150-160 have a height of 2 cm from the outer surface 104, 105. The raised teething textures 150-160 are preferably integrally formed with the L-shaped body 101, 121 of the crib rail cover 100, 120, 130, 170, 180.

As teeth erupt from the gums of infants, inflammation occurs causing pain and discomfort to the infant. Infants then become fussy, irritable and sometimes inconsolable. When it comes to managing teething, adding a counter pressure to the gums helps to alleviate pain and discomfort for the infants. The raised teeth textures 150-160 are of different shapes and sizes to help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the teething process of an infant through the infant chewing on the raised teething textures 150-160 and allowing the infant to add that counter pressure needed in order to soothe their gums through chewing on the raised teething textures.

The flat first inner surface 102 and the flat second inner surface 103 of the crib rail cover 100 are placed adjacent to one or more of the stationary rails 212, 228 or drop rail 222 of the crib such that the teething textures 150-160 present on the outer surfaces 104, 105 face toward the enclosed space 236 of the crib 200 and face outward and upward on a surface of the rails 212, 228, 222 opposite the slats or rods 218, 224, 230, the mattress 234, or the base 220.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-9, the first body portion 112 and the second body portion 113 each contain slots 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, 111 d spaced along a length of the crib rail cover 100. The slots 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d in the first body portion 112 are aligned with the slots 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, 111 d in the second body portion 113. In one embodiment, the crib rail cover 100 has at least four pair of slots 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, 111 d. In another embodiment, the crib rail cover 170 has at least two slots 110 a, 110 b as shown in FIG. 17. Adjustable straps with a buckle or or hook and loop fastener (not shown) can be threaded through the slots 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, 111 d and around the railings 212, 222, 228 to secure the crib rail cover 100, 170 in place and prevent slippage or movement of the rail crib cover 100, 170 relative to the crib 200. The crib rail cover 100, 170 is placed directly onto the railings 212, 222, 228 with the inner surfaces 102, 103 being in direct contact with the railings 212, 222, 228.

More specifically, a first end of a strap can be threaded through slots 110 a on a first body portion 112 and aligned slot 111 a on a second body portion 113, wrapped around the crib railing and secured to the second end of the strap. Separate straps would be threaded through slots 110 b and 111 b, 110 c and 111 c, and 110 d and 111 d. If the strap has hook and loop fastener, the first end can be pressed to the second end for removable attachment. If the strap had a buckle, a male portion of the buckle can be inserted into the female portion of the buckle and the strap tightened to the crib rail.

In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 10-13, the slots are absent and the crib rail cover 180, 200 is attached to one or more of the drop rail 228 or stationary rails 212, 222 of the crib 200 via adhesive. For example, the adhesive can be double sided strips, removable adhesive spray, or a removable adhesive gum or glue (not shown). The adhesive is placed between the crib rail covers 180, 200 and the railings 212, 222, 228 of the crib 200 with the crib rail cover 180, 200 being secured in place by applying pressure to the outer surfaces 105, 104 of the crib rail cover 180, 200 to ensure adhesion between the crib rail cover 180, 200 and the crib railing 212, 222, 228. Other than the adhesive, the crib rail cover 180, 200 is placed directly onto the railings 212, 222, 228 with the inner surfaces 102, 103 being in direct contact with the railings 212, 222, 228.

It is noted that while the method of attaching the crib rail cover with adhesive was discussed relative to the crib rail 180, 200 cover without slots, the adhesive can be used to as the sole securement for the crib rail cover 100 containing slots 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, 111 d. or used in addition to the straps for the crib rail 100 cover containing slots 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, 111 d.

The crib rail cover 100, 120 can extend approximately the entire length of the stationary rails 212, 228 or drop rail 222 or the crib rail cover 170, 180 can extend a portion of the length of the stationary rails 212, 228 or drop rail 222. In one embodiment, the crib rail cover 100, 120 is at least 121 cm in length and can be used to cover approximately the entire length of a drop rail 222 on a second side 226 of the crib 200 and a stationary rail 228 on the first side of the crib 200. In another embodiment, the crib rail cover 170, 180 is shorter with a length of approximately 63 cm and can be used to cover at least a portion of the length of the rail 212 of the footboard 210 of the crib 200. The shorter crib rail cover 170 can include at least a pair of slots 110 a, 110 b as shown in FIG. 17 or the shorter crib rail cover 180 does not include slots as shown in FIG. 18. In another embodiment, the crib rail cover is between 63-170 cm.

The crib rail cover 100, 120, 170, 180 is preferably made of 100% food grade silicone and is of a thickness that can withstand chewing from an infant. The silicone is free from bisphenol A (BPA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and phthalates. The silicone is additionally heat and temperature resistant and does not promote bacterial growth. The silicone also provides a slip free surface and is cleanable using soap and water. The crib rail cover 100, 120, 170, 180 helps the infant with the teething process and prevents the baby from ingesting wood chips and paint or varnish of the crib railing, as well as protect the integrity of the crib.

In another embodiment, the crib rail cover 100, 120, 170, 180 is made of a natural rubber or polyisoprene.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A crib rail cover for use on at least one railing of a crib comprising: an L-shaped body having a first portion connected to a second portion at a right angle, the first portion haven an outer surface and an inner surface and the second portion have an inner surface and an outer surface; and a plurality of raised teething textures integrally formed on the outer surface of the first portion and the outer surface of the second portion.
 2. The crib rail cover of claim 1, further comprising radially spaced slots along a length of the L-shaped body extending from the outer surface to the inner surface on the first portion and the second portion.
 3. The crib rail cover of claim 2, wherein the crib rail cover has at least four slots.
 4. The crib rail cover of claim 2, wherein the crib rail cover has at least two slots.
 5. The crib rail cover of claim 1, wherein the crib rail cover is made of a material selected from a group consisting of: food grade silicone, natural rubber or polyisoprene.
 6. The crib rail cover of claim 1, wherein the L-shaped body has a length of 63 cm-170 cm.
 7. The crib rail cover of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the first portion has at least three raised teething textures repeated across a length of the L-shaped body and the outer surface of the second portion has at least three raised teething textures repeated across the length of the L-shaped body.
 8. The crib rail cover of claim 7, wherein the at least three raised teething textures on the outer surface of the first portion are different than the at least three raised teething textures on the outer surface of the second portion.
 9. The crib rail cover of claim 7, wherein the length is an entire length of the L-shaped body.
 10. The crib rail cover of claim 7, wherein the raised teething textures have a height of 1.27 cm-2.54 cm.
 11. The crib rail cover of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the first portion has at least three raised teething textures and at least two of the raised teething textures repeated across an entire length of the L-shaped body and the outer surface of the second portion has at least three raised teething textures and at least two of the raised teething textures repeated across an entire length of the L-shaped body.
 12. The crib rail cover of claim 1, wherein the crib rail cover is mounted directly onto the crib rail, such that the inner surface of the first portion and the inner surface of the second portion of the L-shaped body contacts the crib rail.
 13. A method of attaching at least one crib rail cover to a railing of a crib having a headboard parallel to and connected to a footboard by a base, a first rail and a second rail parallel to and opposite from the first rail, the first rail and the second rail being connected to the base through a plurality of rods, the headboard, footboard, the base, first rail and second rail defining a crib opening for receiving a mattress, the method comprising: placing an inner surface of each of a first portion and a second portion of an L-shaped body of the crib rail cover directly onto the first rail of the crib, such that a plurality of raised teething textures extending from the outer surface of the first portion of the L-shaped body of crib rail face towards the crib opening and opposite a parallel second crib rail and the plurality of raised teething textures extending from the outer surface of the second portion of the L-shaped body of the crib rail face upward; and securing the crib rail cover onto at least the first rail.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising placing an inner surface of each of a first portion and a second portion of an L-shaped body of the crib rail cover directly onto a rail of the footboard, such that a plurality of raised teething textures extending from the outer surface of the first portion of the L-shaped body of crib rail face towards the crib opening and opposite the headboard and the plurality of raised teething textures extending from the outer surface of the second portion of the L-shaped body of the crib rail face upward; and securing the crib rail cover onto the rail of the footboard.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein securing the crib rail cover onto the first rail further comprises: threading a first end of a hook and loop fastener through slots along a length of the L-shaped body on the first portion and the second portion; wrapping the hook and loop fastener around the first rail; and pressing the first end of the hook and loop fastener to a second end of the hook and loop fastener.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein prior to placing the inner surface of each of the first portion and the second portion of the L-shaped body of the crib rail cover directly onto the first rail of the crib, placing adhesive onto the first rail in a position in which the crib rail cover is to be placed.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein securing the crib rail cover onto the first rail further comprises applying pressure to the crib rail cover, such that at least one of the inner surface of the first portion and the inner surface of the second portion engages the adhesive.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the adhesive is double sided tape.
 19. The method of claim 13, further comprising placing an inner surface of each of a first portion and a second portion of an L-shaped body of the crib rail cover directly onto the second rail of the crib, such that a plurality of raised teething textures extending from the outer surface of the first portion of the L-shaped body of crib rail face towards the crib opening and opposite a parallel first crib rail and the plurality of raised teething textures extending from the outer surface of the second portion of the L-shaped body of the crib rail face upward; and securing the crib rail cover onto at least the first rail.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the first rail or the second rail is a drop rail. 